I'm learning to work with the node editor. It is indead very powerful. But I really don't know very much of it capabilitys yet.
yes, i think you should try working with it and experiment. but do not expect any wonders. They forgot to build in the 'perfect render button'
There is a good video on the node editor over on Kurv's.
Apart from that, the traditional surface editor has also so many capabilitys ...
Just keep trying, and trying and be patient. Leave it alone for a couple of days and then try again. But always think what you are tryin to achieve !!!! Look for some good reference material.